11 March 2023 , 10:17
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Freddie Steward has never known a France win in the Six Nations at Twickenham - and plans to keep it that way.
England take on the reigning Grand Slam champions this evening with history on their side, having not lost Le Crunch at home for 18 years.
Steward is too young to remember Dimitri Yachvili booting France to victory in 2005, given he had only just turned four. It would be another two years before parents Ben and Jane persuaded England’s future fullback to get out of the car and join in his first game of tag at Swaffham rugby club.
The Norfolk-born star is now the in-form 15 in world rugby, man of the match in England’s away win over Wales last time out.
France are also enjoying a purple patch, winning 15 of their last 16 Tests - yet acknowledge that Twickenham record is a millstone around their neck.
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“It gives England a lot of reason to be confident,” team manager Raphael Ibanez admitted. “It shows the measure and the extent of the job ahead of us.”
Steward: “We understand we need to come out of the blocks fast and make a statement that we are not just there to roll over” (Simon King/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)Steward says it is imperative England start strongly to remind France this is a place they do not come and win.
“We understand we need to come out of the blocks fast and make a statement that we are not just there to roll over,” he said. “We are going to give them a good go.
“Often the first 10 minutes is the most demanding. Their forward pack is absolutely ginormous. It is going to be a big, physical, abrasive battle.”
Steward: "France's forward pack is absolutely ginormous. It is going to be a big, physical, abrasive battle” (Getty Images)The tone will be set in the changing room by new captain Ellis Genge, using what he terms “underdog psychology” to make his pitch.
“The way he talks he really fires you up,” Steward said. “It is a great strength of his, one which I think is quite rare in leaders.
“The way he carries himself stirs something inside you. You would run through a brick wall for him. He gets everyone to fly in.”
Ellis Genge will captain England for first time this evening (Getty Images)Forwards coach Richard Cockerill can remember England-France games, played before Steward was born, which often cut up rough.
Experience has taught him that controlled fury is what is required, especially against this French side so well prepared by Fabien Galthie and Shaun Edwards.
"If we are just going to go toe-to-toe I think France will cope with that and we'll potentially play ourselves into trouble,” he said.
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Fabian Galthie's France are reigning Grand Slam champions (Getty Images)"We're going to have to be aggressive when we need to be and really smart when we need to be.”
Marcus Smith has been entrusted with running the show, at the expense of Owen Farrell, and has the backing of team mates to deliver.
“He's got that X-Factor, doesn't he?” said wing Anthony Watson. “Where he can spark a game into life.
Anthony Watson is mobbed by Steward after scoring England's opening try against Wales (Getty Images)“That range of ability to create something from nothing makes him special. That’s what people tune in to watch.”
For all English optimism Borthwick is only three brushstrokes into what he hopes will one day become a masterpiece. France, odds-on with the bookies, are already fit for the Louvre.
“But there’s loads of potential in this team,” warned Watson. "We haven’t really scratched the surface yet with where we’re trying to go to.”
England: Steward; Malins, Slade, Lawrence, Watson; Smith, Van Poortvliet; Genge (capt), George, Sinckler; Itoje, Chessum; Ludlam, Willis, Dombrandt.
Replacements: Walker, M Vunipola, Cole, Ribbans, B Curry, Mitchell, Farrell, Arundell.
France: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Dumortier; Ntamack, Dupont (capt); Baille, Marchand, Aldegheri, Flament, Willemse, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt.
Replacements: Mauvaka, Wardi, Falatea, Taofifenua, Macalou, Lucu, Moefana, Jaminet.